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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India is conducting a significant investigation into a large-scale human trafficking and money laundering operation involving a staggering 262 Canadian colleges. This complex scheme facilitates the illegal migration of Indian nationals into the United States using fraudulent student visas. The investigation was triggered by the tragic death of an Indian family in Canada in January 2022, who perished while attempting to illegally cross the border into the US. This incident served as a stark indicator of the dangers inherent in this illicit operation and prompted the authorities to delve deeper into the network behind it.
The central figure in the ED's investigation is Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, who is considered the primary accused in the case. The ED's investigation, initiated following a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Ahmedabad Police, has uncovered a meticulously orchestrated conspiracy. Patel and his associates allegedly arranged admissions for Indian citizens in Canadian colleges, securing them student visas. However, upon arrival in Canada, these individuals were directed to bypass the formal immigration processes and instead illegally cross the border into the United States. This intricate process involved the coordinated efforts of various individuals and entities, demonstrating a sophisticated and well-established network.
The financial aspect of this operation is equally shocking. The ED alleges that each individual participating in this illegal migration paid a substantial sum, ranging from Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, to the conspirators. This hefty fee underscores the high-profit nature of this criminal enterprise and the desperation of those seeking entry into the United States. The money trail, meticulously followed by the ED, is crucial in understanding the scale and reach of this network. The remittances from the Canadian colleges to the accounts of individuals involved in the conspiracy further solidified the ED’s suspicions regarding the network’s operation.
Recent searches conducted by the ED at eight locations across India yielded significant evidence. These searches revealed the involvement of two entities, one in Mumbai and the other in Nagpur, that acted as intermediaries, arranging admissions to foreign universities in exchange for commissions. The scale of their operations is alarming, with one entity referring approximately 25,000 students annually and the other more than 10,000. The ED’s investigation has uncovered a network of approximately 1,700 agents/partners in Gujarat alone, and a further 3,500 agents/partners across India. Moreover, the investigation revealed that around 112 colleges in Canada had entered into agreements with one entity, while over 150 colleges had agreements with the other. This extensive network highlights the systemic nature of the problem and the widespread collaboration involved in facilitating this illegal immigration.
The ED's investigation is far from over. The agency suspects that a significant number of the 262 Canadian colleges implicated are located near the US-Canada border, implying a deliberate strategy to facilitate easier illegal crossings. While the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of this trafficking ring, the ED has already seized assets including Rs 19 lakh in bank deposits, incriminating documents, digital devices, and two vehicles. The investigation underscores the complex challenges involved in combating transnational organized crime, requiring international collaboration and diligent investigative work to dismantle these networks and bring those responsible to justice. The human cost, exemplified by the tragic death of the Indian family, serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in participating in such illegal activities and highlights the urgency in addressing this issue.
This case highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking better opportunities and the predatory nature of criminal organizations that exploit this vulnerability. The significant financial gains involved incentivize continued operation, demanding a comprehensive and collaborative response from law enforcement agencies across countries to dismantle the intricate network and protect potential victims. The ongoing investigation by the ED is expected to shed more light on the workings of this extensive network and expose those responsible for facilitating this illegal human trafficking and money laundering operation. The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate participants; it exposes the flaws in systems that can be exploited for criminal gains and necessitates a thorough review of existing policies and procedures to prevent future occurrences. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for both international law enforcement cooperation and the safety of those seeking alternative pathways to better lives.
Source: Over 260 Canadian Colleges, Rs 60 Lakh Per Person: Trafficking Of Indians Into US Under ED Lens